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ZipPicks Awards
Best Burgers in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Amboy
8.0
Alvin Cailan's Chinatown burger counter dry-ages its own beef and builds each patty around sesame buns and house garlic aioli—a focused, technique-forward approach you don't usually find at this price point. The Far East Plaza stall draws burger-obsessed regulars who want craft-quality beef without the sit-down markup. Expect a tight menu, fast turnaround, and the kind of line that moves because the operation is dialed in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Amboy DH, Amboy Classic, Truffle Burger
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Eggslut founder Alvin Cailan's Chinatown burger stand dry-ages its own beef and serves it on sesame buns with house-made garlic aioli.
Who should go: Burger purists and dry-aged beef enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday lunch to skip lines; open daily noon to 9PM
What to order: The DH (10oz dry-aged patty) takes 20 minutes to prep—order garlic fries to start, then go all in on the dry-aged burger with provolone and garlic aioli.
Insider tip: The DH burger requires about 20 minutes of prep time, so order fries first and plan accordingly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Far East Plaza has an underground garage plus surrounding paid lots; street parking available but tough to find on busy weekends
Dress code: Ultra-casual—counter-service window with outdoor communal picnic tables in a plaza courtyard, so come as you are
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date — this is a casual counter-service burger stand inside Far East Plaza with communal-style and limited seating. The vibe is more fun hangout than romantic dinner. That said, it works great for a low-pressure, laid-back first date if you both appreciate quality burgers and don't need candlelight. Grab your food at the counter and share the outdoor patio seating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Amboy is counter-service only and does not accept reservations. You order at the window and grab a seat. During peak lunch and dinner hours (especially weekends), the limited patio and indoor seating can fill up, so you may need to wait for a spot to open. Off-peak, finding a seat is usually no problem. Note that some specialty burgers like the DH Burger take about 20 minutes to prepare.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual counter-service format and comfort food menu (burgers, hot dogs, chili cheese fries) make it a natural fit for kids of all ages. The relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere means no one will bat an eye at noisy little ones. There's outdoor patio seating where kids can move around. No formal kids menu, but the straightforward burger-and-fries offerings work well for young eaters.
Is it good for groups? It works for small groups of 4-6, but larger parties will struggle. Seating is limited — a mix of small indoor spots and outdoor patio tables — and there are no private dining options or large tables. Since it's counter-service with no reservations, a big group would need to grab seats as they open up. For groups over 6, coordinate timing and expect some members to eat standing or staggered.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — there is a patio seating area in the Far East Plaza courtyard. The outdoor space is casual and uncovered, shared with other vendors in the plaza. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor area. No heating or shade structures confirmed — best enjoyed during mild weather or daytime hours.
Best For
Better for: A quick, high-quality smash burger run when you want something fast, affordable, and unfussy—order at the window, grab a picnic table, and dig in
Skip if: You want a sit-down dining experience with table service—this is a walk-up counter in an open-air plaza
Hours
Monday12pm - 9pm
Tuesday12pm - 9pm
Wednesday12pm - 9pm
Thursday12pm - 9pm
Friday12pm - 9pm
Saturday12pm - 9pm
Sunday12pm - 9pm